Can i get rsv

Clearing a baby's nose before offering fluids can make it easier for them to drink. Treat fever using a non-aspirin fever medicine like acetaminophen or, if your child is older than 6 months, ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children who have a viral illness. Such use is linked to Reye syndrome , which can be life-threatening.

Do not use over-the-counter cold medicines, which can be dangerous for young children. Because RSV can spread easily by touching infected people or surfaces, washing hands well and often can help stop it. Wash your hands after being around someone who has cold symptoms.

And school-age kids who have a cold should keep away from younger siblings — especially babies — until their symptoms end. The protection it gives doesn't last long, though. Ask the health care provider if your child is considered high-risk. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.

What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus? Kids with RSV might have cold symptoms, such as: a stuffy or runny nose sore throat mild headache cough fever not eating or drinking well a general ill feeling Sometimes, an RSV infection can lead to: bronchiolitis or pneumonia , especially in premature babies ; infants younger than 1 year old; and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system dehydration Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus Contagious?

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kliegman RM, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Elsevier; Accessed Oct. Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Hurley LP, et al. Primary care physicians' perspectives on respiratory syncytial virus RSV disease in adults and a potential RSV vaccine for adults. Chen X, et al. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Respiratory syncytial virus infection RSV : Symptoms and care.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec. Respiratory syncytial virus RSV infection child. Mayo Clinic; Respiratory syncytial virus RSV immunoglobulin series. Nam HH, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus infection in adults.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Reaffirmed Respiratory syncytial virus RSV and human metapneumovirus infections. Merck Manual Professional Version. If you're worried about getting RSV, the CDC says there are a few things you can do to lower your risk of getting the virus:.

That means really washing them, like with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It's a good idea to regularly clean high-touch surfaces at your place, like doorknobs, toys, and countertops. Again, if you happen to get RSV, don't panic: The odds are high you'll be fine—just a little stuffy. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter.

By Korin Miller August 10, Save Pin FB More. Is RSV Contagious? Here's What Experts Say. Credit: Getty Images.